Croatia boss asks Ivan Rakitic for advice on stopping Argentina's Lionel Messi

The FC panel assess Croatia's complete performance against Nigeria and what message it sends to the rest of Group D.

The FC crew take a comprehensive look at how Iceland stifled Argentina and revisit La Albiceleste's continued dependence on Lionel Messi.

ESPN FC's Stevie Nicol feels it's time for Lionel Messi to relinquish penalty duties as his miss resulted in a 1-1 draw with Iceland.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic says he will turn to his Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic for ideas on how to stop Argentina's Lionel Messi in Thursday's Group D match between the teams.

Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening game on Saturday while Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in what is one of the toughest groups in the tournament.

Messi had a penalty saved in that draw and Dalic wants suggestions from Rakitic on how best to frustrate his Barcelona teammate.

"Of course, Rakitic will...

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By Associated Press

12 hours ago

Diego Maradona responds to reports of racist incident during Argentina game

Argentina were denied the win as Iceland's goalkeeper Hannes Por Halldorsson saved Lionel Messi's penalty.

Diego Maradona has given his version of an exchange with an Asian fan at a World Cup game in Moscow that witnesses perceived as racist.

British television staff working in Spartak Stadium during Argentina's 1-1 draw with Iceland on Saturday reported seeing Maradona respond to South Korea fans calling his name.

Maradona "obliged with a smile, kiss and wave. Then pulled his eyes to the side in a clearly racist gesture," broadcaster Jacqui Oatley posted on Twitter. A second British broadcaster wrote...

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By ESPN Staff

1 day ago